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Triathlon training for women breast cancer survivors: feasibility and initial efficacy

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Abstract

Exercise can improve quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors. In contrast to many group or home-based exercise programs, little is known about the effectiveness of goal-oriented recreational activities.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a clinically overseen team triathlon training program on improving physiological and psychosocial health-related measures in female breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Twenty-three participants (age = 48 (8), BMI = 25 (1), mean (SE)) were recruited from a 14-week sprint triathlon (800-m swim, 20-km bike, 5-km run) team training program for women breast cancer survivors (4 (3) years post-surgery, chemo-, or radiation-therapy). Training included two supervised group and three home-based individual sessions per week. Pre- and post-training outcomes included isokinetic knee extensor strength (60, 180, and 300° s−1), 6-min walk test (6MWT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy -Breast (FACT-B)), and barriers to exercise. Outcomes were also obtained 6 months post except for VO2 max. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Data are mean (SD) from 21 complete data sets. Knee extensor peak torque significantly improved only at 300° s−1 (pre 40.3(8.5) ftlb; post 45.2(8.4); p = 0.001). 6MWT significantly improved (pre 632.8(62.1) m; post 657.4(53.2); p = 0.014) as did VO2 max (pre 31.3(5.8) ml kg−1 min−1; post 35.9(5.8); p < 0.001). FACT-B also improved (pre 114(12); post 122(13); p = 0.004), including the FACT-G total score, social well-being, and breast cancer subscales while barriers to exercise decreased (pre 54(12); post 36(9); p < 0.001). Strength, 6MWT, and barriers to exercise remained improved after 6 months.

Conclusions

Team triathlon training in breast cancer survivors can increase aerobic capacity and improve QOL which may contribute to healthier lifestyles in breast cancer survivors.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Wheel and Sprocket and Lands’ End for their generous support of our triathlon training program with bicycle gear and swimwear, respectively. In addition, numerous donors help support the professional coaching. Dr. Linda Piacentine, RN, PhD provided helpful comments in the writing of this manuscript. This research was supported by the Aurora Research Institute through its Aurora Cancer Care Research Awards, funded by the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.

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Correspondence to Alexander V. Ng.

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Written informed consent, approved by the University’s Institutional Review Board, was obtained from each subject to take part in the research.

Conflict of interest

The lead author states that he has no financial relationship with the organization that sponsored the research. At the time of the study, several of the co-authors were employed by Aurora Health Care, the organization that administered the grant for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. No authors have a financial relationship with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The lead author has full control of all primary data that contributed to this study, and it is available for journal review if requested.

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Ng, A.V., Cybulski, A.N., Engel, A.A. et al. Triathlon training for women breast cancer survivors: feasibility and initial efficacy. Support Care Cancer 25, 1465–1473 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3531-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3531-5

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